However, in 2019, she received a notice to vacate the premises.
This text is a translation of an article from CTV News.
The apartment is located above the former DaGiovanni restaurant, opposite the Berri metro station, just west of the Village. The building is now boarded up and ready to be demolished for the construction of a modern 16-story apartment complex.
The story sparked a five-year legal battle that prevented Mondev, a major developer, from launching the project.
Ms. White did not want to give in and did not accept the terms offered by the company to move. She argued that she would never be able to find another apartment at the same price.
As compensation, Ms. White demanded an apartment in the new complex and a cash payment.
His lawyer eventually managed to negotiate a deal.
“She is very relieved, because she had been facing eviction for five years,” said Manuel Johnson, who works for a firm specializing in helping social causes.
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Mondev will provide Ms. White with high-quality housing in one of its neighboring projects, so she can stay in the neighborhood. She will also pay reduced rent.
Ms. White’s lawyer believes that the agreement is not excessive and that his client had no choice but to fight, because current laws only provide for the bare minimum.
A developer can evict tenants when a building is slated for demolition and is only required to pay the equivalent of three months’ rent and moving costs.
Mr. Johnson criticizes the city for not imposing stricter rules on developers before issuing demolition permits to better protect tenants.
“It is unthinkable that someone would have to find themselves homeless to make way for a development project,” he said. “The law should be amended to require the rehousing of displaced tenants under equal or better conditions.”
Representatives for the developers did not respond to CTV News’ interview requests.
For Ms. White, the deal at least gives her confirmation that she won’t be left without a place to go.
